Patch Blog: Matchmaking at the Library

When I first sat down with Melanie Goodyear, the now former Volunteer Coordinator for the Monrovia Public Library, her questions were very direct and specific to not only what I currently do for work, but also what I’m interested in, what I’m good at, and most importantly, why I want to volunteer for the library. While her questions seemed in many ways like a job interview, it really was more like a matchmaking service. Just a few days ago Melanie described her role as being like eHarmony for volunteers. Easily the most apropos description I think she could have given.  

As I was presented with a list of the opportunities the library has for volunteers, the possibilities seemed endless. You can help with fundraising and organizing activities to solicit donations for the library. You can be a publicist and help market services, programs and events through various networking avenues. You can even be a literacy tutor and work with someone building their reading skills. This phenomenal literacy program has been a cornerstone of the libraries services for years now. As fulfilling as being a part of this sounded, my best match seemed to be between being a Technology Coach, or a Spinetingler.

Essentially, a Technology Coach is a volunteer who works with library users on basic computer navigation and use. Being that this is essentially what I currently do for a living on top of tech support and computer repairs, this seemed like a natural fit for me. However, given the very fact that 40 hours of my week is already dedicated to such work, the thought of committing my extra time to more of the same seemed a little, well, masochistic.

Melanie explained to me that the Spinetinglers are those volunteers who mend books, sort donations and re-shelve books. Something about the idea of working with the complete opposite end of the technology spectrum and simply handling books in any capacity sent chills through my book-worm body. Without a doubt, I wanted to be a Spinetingler. Melanie explained that the turn-over rate for Spinetingles was high and that most seem to get burnt out on the duties after only a short amount of time before moving into another role, I assured her that this would not be the case with me. My yen sorting, shelving and rummaging through books has yet to wane.

What I found to be most interesting about the entire volunteer sign-up process is that Monrovia doesn't just take anyone. Quite the contrary. Every volunteer at the library is required to go through the standard city background check complete with fingerprinting, drug screening and TB testing. While I expected this process to be long and tiresome, I was surprised to find it to be rather quick and efficient. The moment I was cleared by the city HR department, I was free to start volunteering.

So here I am, two or three times a month (not nearly as much as I would prefer) I spend my Tuesday mornings sorting donations and re-shelving books. While the tasks themselves might seem mundane if not downright boring, really being a part of the library in a functional capacity has been some of the most rewarding and enjoyable time I have spent at the library. I encourage anyone looking for ways to spend their free time, or simply take their relationship with our beloved library to the next level, to volunteer.